The Otepää uplands are the centre of Estonian cross-country skiing and the country's winter capital. Tehvandi Villa sits right next to the Tehvandi Sports Centre, so a training session or a relaxed loop can start straight from your accommodation, without getting into a car.
The Tehvandi Sports Centre trails
The Tehvandi trails are prepared during the winter season as soon as snow and weather allow - either on natural snow or on man-made snow produced once temperatures stay below zero. In suitable conditions, up to 5 km of floodlit trail is opened for both classic and skating technique. The artificial-snow loop is floodlit daily until 20:00, and after the official season opening the lighting runs until 21:00.
The terrain is varied: the climbs are steep and the descents technically demanding, so the trails challenge even experienced skiers. Calmer sections and the nearby sledding hill suit beginners and children.
Cross-country skiing
For classic and skating skiers the Otepää area is ideal. Besides Tehvandi, the Kääriku Sports Centre offers 3 and 5 km trails and a 2.5 km section floodlit until 22:00. The 14 km Kekkonen trail, which runs through the beautiful upland landscape, is also kept in good condition.
Downhill skiing
Downhill skiers and snowboarders have two resorts within reach:
- Kuutsemäe ski resort - one of Estonia's leading alpine centres, with pistes, a snow park and a ski school. Suits both beginners and experienced riders.
- Väike-Munamäe ski resort (Munakas) - a compact, family-friendly centre in Nüpli with well-sized pistes and its own restaurant (Munaka Resto) at the foot of the slope.
Both are a short drive away, so alpine skiing and snowboarding fit into the same holiday as the cross-country trails.
The Tartu Ski Marathon and competitions
The Otepää uplands are well known as the home of the Tartu Ski Marathon and international biathlon competitions. If you time your stay around a big start, book accommodation well in advance - during race weeks the Otepää area is crowded.
Practical info
- Equipment and rental - ski equipment can be rented from the sports centres; booking ahead in season is recommended.
- Snow info - trail condition depends on the weather; check the latest snow report before you travel.
- Beginners - calmer sections and guidance make Otepää suitable for first-time skiers too.
After a day on the snow, the villa's own sauna and lounge are waiting. See the sauna and spa options → or explore all activities in Otepää.
Ski-season accommodation fills up fast - book the entire Tehvandi Villa for your group.